EXPERT Eyes

Did you now that one Australian loses part or all of their vision every 65 minutes?

That’s so scary as someone who has noticed a decline in sight since turning 45 years of age. Truth be known, I needed help with reading small print from age 40 and when I struggled to read the small print on packets or shampoo bottles I truly freaked out.

Finding an optometrist wasn’t hard though as I’d heard people talking about Hammond Optometry. I booked in and haven’t looked back.

Stephen and Deborah Hammond have strong optical game with almost four decades in optics and more than 22 years running their own business.

Hammond Optometry is Sunshine

Coast and Hinterland retail royalty with a strong community presence and loyal clientele.

Optometrist Stephen graduated from QUT in Brisbane, has a Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics and has worked in Nambour since 1991. It was his reputation that first drew me in. People travel from all over the Coast to see Stephen for his gentle and warm approach and his exceptional knowledge.

Deborah is the face of fashion frames and fabulousness at Hammond Optometry. With over 25 years expertly matching frames for clients, she knows what works and buys some of the best brands and styles in the region.

When I quiz her on what inspires her buying, she said everything needs to fit perfectly, feel great and be of the highest quality.

“I think about our patients’ needs and will look for something different for our clients,” she said. “I’ve really gotten to know and understand what they like.”

She gets it right every time by the way, I trust her to point out styles and shapes I may not usually go for and my glasses are always conversation starters when I wear them.

It’s so important to trust that your optometrist will get the lens and frames right as every eye and face is different.

It’s sunglasses all year round in our climate and Deborah has sourced some amazing ranges. When it comes to the best for eye protection however she swears by Maui Jim Sunglasses.

“We were one of their very first retailers in Australia when we first opened our practice,” Deb says. “I love the optical quality and protection of their lenses along with their fantastic customer service.”

There are many collections to choose from with Frost, LA Eyeworks, JF Rey, Boz and many more and I know from my experience that you will get honest advice at Hammond Optometry.

“Our clients appreciate professionalism and trust that we will provide them with the best solutions for their eyecare needs,” says Stephen.

“We offer comprehensive eye examinations; diabetic, macular degeneration and glaucoma care; contact lens fitting and myopia control contact lenses as well as specialised children’s eye testing.”

Deborah said the Hammond Optometry team were a key part of the business.

“We have the amazing Angela our experienced and highly valued Optical Dispenser, who also plays an important role in our frame purchases; the lovely Rebecca who has worked for Hammond Optometry for many years and has come out of retirement to assist us while we are busy; and optometrist Tracy, who specialises in children’s vision and diabetic patient care - and we couldn’t do without them,” she said.

I call them the A-team of eye health.

So, ‘eye’ suggest you ‘see’ the team for a sight check soon - and don’t forget sort your sun protection needs.